CHAPTER 406: CHAPTER 404: THE GRAND COMPETITION BEGINS

Many outer disciples were discussing, but their speed didn’t slow down in the slightest as they flew towards Heavenly Sword Peak.

Not only the outer disciples, but many inner disciples also came to watch.

Zhong Lin was mingling in the crowd, feeling neither joy nor sorrow, like a mere spectator.

As the crowd surged into Heavenly Sword Peak, Zhong Lin found a relatively open spot to quietly wait.

The entire Heavenly Sword Peak was dotted with countless arenas; upon counting, there must be over a thousand, undoubtedly for the outer disciples’ competitions.

After about an hour, the entire Heavenly Sword Peak was packed with people, layer after layer, yet not crowded.

Heavenly Sword Peak was vast, backing the whole of Heavenly Sword City; even twice the number of people could fit without issue.

The bell suddenly stopped, its lingering sound calming the heart, and the whole Heavenly Sword Peak fell silent, you could hear a pin drop.

An elder flew over, standing in the void, his eyes scanning down from above.

Every disciple felt he was staring at them, not daring to meet the elder’s gaze.

This alone was enough to show that this elder was undoubtedly a martial arts expert, at least of Yin Yang Realm cultivation, if not stronger.

"The outer disciples’ grand competition is a rule set by our Heavenly Sword Holy Land, to select outstanding disciples for nurturing. You all must show your true skills in the competition, no pretense allowed. The sect will offer rich rewards to excellent disciples, and whether or not you enter the top ten, as long as your performance is exceptional, showing enough persistence, extraordinary will, and smart wit, you can receive due rewards, or even be taken as a disciple by a sect elder, or perhaps the sect master. Begin!"

The words were plain and simple, no unnecessary lengthy speeches, which was much appreciated by everyone.

Even Zhong Lin was somewhat surprised, expecting something akin to past life leaders, yet it was so straightforward.

With the declaration of the start, many "inner disciples" flew onto the arenas, taking out lists and announcing the disciples to battle.

These inner disciples acted as "staff", and each one was strong enough to ensure no fatalities occurred during the battles.

The outer disciples numbered in the hundreds of thousands, and most had signed up, making the number of participants overwhelming.

However, no matter how many disciples there were, the Heavenly Sword Holy Land’s arrangements were orderly, with not a single hint of disorder.

"Arena 8032, Zhong Lin, Di Ziqian."

Zhong Lin heard his name, immediately sought out arena 8032, and flew up, only to find a figure already waiting.

No need to think, this person should be Di Ziqian, who would be competing against Zhong Lin.

Wearing Heavenly Silkworm Treasure Clothes, holding a spirit sword resembling jade, its edge sharp, brilliance flashing.

"Nice to meet you..."

"Cut the crap, let’s start quickly, I have another match to deal with,"

Di Ziqian impatiently said, his eyes full of disdain.

Zhong Lin clearly paused for a moment, then realized, to prevent his aura from leaking and exposing his identity, he always kept the "Concealing God Technique" on, showing only the early Xuandan stage cultivation, and the Di Ziqian in front of him was already in the middle Xuandan stage, it was normal to look down on him.

Zhong Lin licked his lips, his gaze turning to the "referee".

"Begin!"

With the referee’s order, Di Ziqian stepped forward, his whole being like a whirlwind heading straight at Zhong Lin, the spirit sword in his hand pointed directly at Zhong Lin’s chest.

"Concede..."

Bam!

A dull thud, Di Ziqian came quickly, retreated even faster, his whole being like a cannonball flying out, spitting a mouthful of blood in mid-air, a massive footprint on his chest.

Zhong Lin slowly retracted his right leg, turning his head to look at the "referee".

The entire process took but an instant, and the battle concluded.

The "referee" raised an eyebrow, thoughtfully glanced at Zhong Lin, then looked at the unconscious Di Ziqian who had fallen off the arena, then spoke.

"Zhong Lin, wins."

Zhong Lin cupped his hands in a salute, then flew off the arena.

As for the unconscious Di Ziqian, someone had already come to take him away.

The entire outer disciples’ grand competition, with over a thousand arenas, used a straightforward elimination system with no points or resurrection rounds, simple and crude.

In the words of Senior Sister Tang Yimei, martial arts cultivation is about great perseverance, great opportunities, and great fortunes, none of which can be missing.

To encounter a "Dragon Tiger List" talent in the opening rounds is sheer misfortune, the lack of fortune, if lost, then lost.

Di Ziqian wasn’t lacking strength, after all, he was of the middle Xuandan stage, not an unknown presence among outer disciples, but unfortunately, he ran into Zhong Lin at the start, and his journey in this year’s outer disciples’ grand competition ended here.

Zhong Lin did not return to rest, after all, he had only just used a single kick, not even utilizing spiritual origin, merely relying on physical strength.

The whole person quickly shuttled below the various arenas, watching the ongoing battles.

Apart from Zhong Lin’s display, many other arenas produced many exciting battles, dazzling the eyes.

Various outer disciples had winners and losers, some badly injured and immediately carried away for treatment.

As long as they weren’t dead on the spot, still breathing, the sect could save them, though some were severely injured, causing significant martial arts regression, affecting future matches inevitably.

There were also some like Zhong Lin, who won with a single move, under no pressure, and Zhong Lin would carefully observe such cases.

Having watched around, it could only be said that the Heavenly Sword Holy Land was indeed a talent pool, each one not easy to deal with, and Zhong Lin even sensed that many had already comprehended sword intent.

An hour later, the second round began, this time Zhong Lin was assigned to arena 89.

"Jiang Xuan, meeting Senior Brother Zhong."

Zhong Lin’s opponent this time was named Jiang Xuan, a youth who looked only fifteen or sixteen, but whose cultivation was already at early Xuandan stage.

Genius.

This was Zhong Lin’s first impression of Jiang Xuan, to have such cultivation at fifteen or sixteen, what else could you call him but a genius.

Zhong Lin also cupped his hands, "Meeting Junior Brother Jiang."

Jiang Xuan’s right hand made a grasp in mid-air, and a silver long sword appeared in his hand.

"This is my lifebound weapon, ’Huangyu’, capable of cutting gold and breaking jade, be careful, Senior Brother."

Clang!

The long sword raised, sharp sword qi exploded, causing the void to ripple.

Clangclang!

Zhong Lin didn’t move, and the whole arena was instantly filled with the sound of sword cries. Jiang Xuan’s long sword, which was stabbing straight at Zhong Lin, suddenly trembled and couldn’t pierce through.

Zhong Lin pointed with his sword finger, endless wind flow oscillated, boundless sword intent coalesced into a sword qi, and finally gently tapped on Jiang Xuan’s "Huangyu".